Improvement in bedbug-traps



J. S. H A W KIN S.

Bed-Bug Trap. N 1 032 v Pitenled March 23,1875.

FIG". ,5 (6 E o A wn-u A--B O Q Q FIG 2.

wmlessss IINVENTOR THE GRAPHIC G0-PHOT0rUTH.39&4I PARK PLACEJLY.

U1\TI'IED STATES PATENT FFIGE.

JOHN L. HAWKINS, SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOB TO WILLIAM W. WALKER AND JOHN L. HAWKINS.

IMPROVEMENT lN BEDBUG-TRAPS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 161,032, dated March 23, 1875; application filed November 5, 1874.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J OHN L. HAWKINS, of San Quentin, in the countyof Marin and State of California, have invented an Improved Device for Entrapping and Destroying Bedbugs; and I do hereby declare that the following description and accompanying drawings are sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art or science to which it most nearly appertains to make and use my said invention Without further invention or experiment.

My invention consists, mainly, in the employment of troughs placed around the side and end rails of the bedstead. These troughs are divided lengthwise, and they are united at the corners of the bedstead by miter-joints, so that they can be removed and cleaned of their contents.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a bedstead to which my invention is applied. Fig. 2 is a detached plan of one of the troughs opened, and Fig. 3 is a cross-section of trough partially open.

A represents a trough or case, which is placed around the inner portion of the side and end rails of the bed above the slats, and

so as to form a continuous line from point to point, the junction being formed at the corners of the bedstead by miter-joints B, so that the side and end pins can be removed at will. The troughs are divided lengthwise, and the inner or main portion 0 is flattened, in order that it may fit snugly against the inner face of the bed-rail. These troughs may be made with continuous grooves F F from end to end but in Fig. 2 of the drawing stops are shown for the purpose of attaching the hinge D, by Which the two parts are connected together at the base. When folded or shut up they are held by the hooks and eyes E E, as shown. Longitudinal slits or openings are provided,

' of sufficient width to readily admit the bug to the grooves F, and through which he will enter, if of the ordinary kind of bedbugs, after he has gorged himself upon the blood of his victim, in which position he is safely en trapped, when all that is necessary is to lift the sides and corners of the mattress and withdraw the troughs, and take them to a sloppail or other convenient place, and pour hot Water through the troughs, which operation is quite eflective to destroy the vermin, after which the troughs may be replaced in their former position.

It is quite evident that these troughs may be attached to the mattress if no convenient place be found around the bedstead.

By this device much inconvenience as well as annoyance is avoided, and the use of those poisons which so often are more fatal to the children of a household than to the vermin sought to be destroyed is rendered wholly unnecessary.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- The trough A, consisting of the two parts, hinged together, and provided with the grooves F and slits or openings, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal.

JOHN L. HAWKINS.

Witnesses:

WM. H. McGREW, CHARLES HAMILTON. 

